Meet the Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV

One Bad Mamma Jamma

Amie WilliamsAssociate Online Editor

May 21, 2013

The folks over at Hennessey Performance (HPE) are constantly stepping things up a few notches when it comes to just about everything. This time around they took the Ford SVT Raptor truck and turned it into a full-size SUV, creating a beast known as the Hennessey VelociRaptor! Yes, you read that right, a Raptor-based sport-utility vehicle with seating for eight. This isn’t your garden-variety Expedition, folks.

“Over the past three years we have built nearly 400 upgraded Raptor trucks for enthusiasts around the world”, said Don Goldman, CEO of Hennessey Performance. “We are now very excited to be able to offer the VelociRaptor SUV to those who like the Raptor but want more seats and space.”

This VelociRaptor comes with all of the Raptor goodies in an SUV-shaped package. Ford’s 6.2-liter V8 is still powering this bad boy, but its off-road capabilities haven’t been tested out just yet by Hennessey. It has been deemed suitable for on-road buyers with light to moderate off-road duties.

“Don’t plan on pre-running Baja or negotiating Rubicon with our SUV – that is not why we built it”, said company founder, John Hennessey. But, if you’re looking for the ultimate vehicle to drive from Aspen to Telluride in January, the VelociRaptor SUV would be perfect.”

How much will one of these cost you? The base price for the VelociRaptor SUV starts at a whopping $149,500 with just 30 units per year for the standard 6.2-liter V8 engine. And of course, with Hennessey in charge of things, a VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged upgrade is available at an additional cost. Other features include: Brembo front brake upgrade, larger wheels and tires, LED lighting upgrades, bespoke interior and electronic upgrades. Also, security and armoring systems are available.

Turning the truck into an SUV increases the weight by approximately 600 lbs., but the SUV manages a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, according to Hennessey. Go for the VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged upgrade and that time will decrease to a claimed 5.9 seconds when accelerating from 0-60 mph. This new SUV truck just may keep those AMG G-Wagen and Range Rover owners on their toes!

The Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV can be ordered directly from Hennessey Performance or through select Hennessey / Ford dealers.